Airbnb has undertaken major renovations to disused rooms above three independent rural pubs, to turn them into short lets.

The pubs are in Dorset, Hampshire and Derbyshire, and the platform says the move will allow the property owners and landlords to diversify income streams.

With a 6.7% increase in pub closures, particularly in the South West and East Midlands where 37 pubs shut down last year, the partnership between Airbnb and the Campaign for Real Ale is a way of highlighting alternative revenue. 

The three winners are:

The Thomas Tripp at Christchurch, Dorset – The loft has now been transformed into a private space with the addition of a cove for guests to sleep. “Like many pubs across the country, the Tripp is an integral pillar of the local community, and has been for generations. Whilst the entire industry is feeling the pinch, independents like ourselves have been particularly vulnerable, so Airbnb’s investment into the pub is truly life changing. Not only do we hope to keep this a place that is special to locals, but now we want to help more unlikely tourists discover the hidden gem that is Christchurch” says Dave Burns & Jason Giddings, owners of The Thomas Tripp.

The Townhouse at Lymington, Hampshire – The two upstairs rooms have been transformed into contemporary guest suites, “I’ve worked in the hospitality industry for over two decades and economically speaking, this January has been the toughest I’ve faced. Pubs need help, we need people to choose local and independent, so as a result of Airbnb’s generous investment and expert mentoring, we really hope that people will do just that at The Townhouse. My son is only 8 but he wants nothing more than to manage a pub when he’s older and I can’t wait to show him the ropes as we enter what is set to be a busy Spring thanks to this incredible renovation” explains Dave King, owner of The Townhouse.

The Swan Inn at Milton, Derbyshire – There is a newly renovated guest room. “I got the keys to the Swan Inn at 12pm on Friday the 13th, and opened for business at 4pm the very same day – from the outset, it has been full steam ahead! Unfortunately, like many others, our pub has faced challenges in the current economic climate. Despite our passion for welcoming everyone to this little slice of countryside heaven, we had to make the tough decision to close the pub one day a week to manage costs. With Airbnb’s incredible renovation, we  hope that we’ll be able to scrap this and welcome guests from far and wide, no matter the day” comments Oliver Way, owner of The Swan Inn. 

Luke Impett of Airbnb UK comments: “Pubs are the beating heart of any community and play a vital role in sustaining local economies. We’re proud to support the industry by breathing new life into these three unique, independent pubs that are so loved by their communities, helping them to welcome more guests and ultimately put more cash behind the bar. We know that travellers want to explore more of the UK’s rural gems and unique stays like these on Airbnb provide the perfect base for an authentic experience of the British countryside.”

The winning pubs were selected by a panel of esteemed judges including: Dame Caroline Dinenage (Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee); Chris Webb MP (Chair of the Hospitality and Tourism All Party Parliamentary Group); and Gary Timmins, (CAMRA Pub and Club Campaigns Director).